Question

Intracellular receptors A. usually bind hydrophobic ligands. B. may be located either in the cytosol or nucleus in unbound state. C. when bound to their ligand, regulate gene transcription. D. when bound to their ligand, function as dimeric complexes binding to specific DNA sequences. E. all of the above.

Short answer

A) Intracellular receptors usually bind hydrophobic ligands. B) Intracellular receptors may be located either in the cytosol or nucleus in an unbound state. C) Intracellular receptors, when bound to their ligand, regulate gene transcription. D) Intracellular receptors, when bound to their ligand, function as dimeric complexes binding to specific DNA sequences. E) All of the above Answer: E) All of the above

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing statement A

Intracellular receptors usually bind hydrophobic ligands. This statement is generally accurate. Because intracellular receptors are found within the cell, the ligands they bind to are often hydrophobic, allowing them to easily diffuse through the plasma membrane.

Analyzing statement B

Intracellular receptors may be located either in the cytosol or nucleus in an unbound state. This claim is correct because intracellular receptors can be found in different cellular compartments, including the cytosol and nucleus, depending on their cellular function and the specific signaling pathway involved.

Analyzing statement C

Intracellular receptors, when bound to their ligand, regulate gene transcription. This is true as one essential function of intracellular receptors is to modulate gene transcription in the nucleus. When ligands bind to intracellular receptors, they cause a conformational change in the receptor, allowing it to bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate gene transcription.

Analyzing statement D

Intracellular receptors, when bound to their ligand, function as dimeric complexes binding to specific DNA sequences. This statement is correct. Upon activation by a ligand, intracellular receptors often form dimeric complexes, which then bind to specific DNA sequences to modulate gene transcription.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of statements A to D, all of them are correct descriptions of intracellular receptors and their properties. Therefore, the correct answer is E, "all of the above."